Chaplain's Chat

When I began my journey of chaplaincy at Woori Yallock Primary School in 2007, it was an answer to prayer.  I was so excited to join the staff in doing what I love; supporting and working with families.  Being a resident in Woori Yallock, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to get to know local families. I had landed my dream job!

I had never worked as a chaplain prior to starting at the school but had taught Religious Education at Launching Place Primary School for over 12 years. I guess this was where the seed was planted of wanting to work in a school and support students and families. I have been very fortunate over the years to be able to combine working in the 2 areas I love; Nursing ( Maternal & Child Health, with Yarra Ranges Council)  and Chaplaincy. 

As I reflect on my 16 years at the school, I am so very grateful for the relationships that have been made. I consider this a real privilege to have been invited into personal places of pain, grief and loss, heartache and challenge.  I have also had the joy of attending weddings, taking a wedding ceremony, attending a Christening and doing a baby ‘Naming.’  So many precious memories that I will always treasure.

I can honestly say, that I have enjoyed each and everyday I have worked at the school. This is mainly because of the warm, accepting and caring staff we have. There is definitely a culture of respect and kindness amongst the staff. I have always felt that I have been part of a team of staff that really care.  I think this is one of the many strengths of this school.  There is a sincere and genuine interest in every family who joins this community. It is not just an educational setting, but a place where we take the time to get to know you, hear your story and offer to support if this is needed.  I have loved this wholistic way of working and believe that because we all work well together, we are able to achieve some great personal results.

My time at Woori has allowed me to personally grow in many areas. There have been times when I have been challenged, but with the support of others and persistence, I have got through.  There have been  many opportunities to network with local services and supports. Partnering with these services, has allowed the school to offer a number of amazing experiences for our students.  Some of the ones I can think of have been:

• After School Theatre Group
• After School Hip/Hop Group.
• School Holiday Camps
• Mother/Daughter Night
• Father/Son Night
• Halogen National Young Leadership Day

For the 4 principles I have worked under during my time at the school; Rob McDougal, Marg Blanksby, Danny Hyndman and Oliver Thockloth, I can never thank you enough for your strong leadership. You have each done your part to significantly raise the academic level and profile of this school, making it the best Primary School in Yarra Valley without a doubt.  You have all been supportive and help steer and shape my role in the school in a positive way. To the ‘Wellbeing Team’ that I have had the privilege of being a part of, you are all amazing and go over and above to love and care for others. I’m grateful that we have all brought our different gifts and talents to the table and been able to work so well together. Andre, thanks for your patience and tolerance of sharing an office space where you have had to put up with all my books/resources and “stuff”.   To all the staff at the school, I thank you for your commitment and support of the families in this community. You all work tirelessly to bring out the personal best of each student. Your love and care shows.

To all the families in the school, it has been a real joy getting to know you.  I have made some very special friendships that I will always value and cherish. Thank you for the privilege of  allowing me to journey along side you. I am so proud of each and everyone of you as I have watched and heard about the many ways you care and support one another in moments of need. How very blessed we are to be part of such an amazing community. I have always loved the old African saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Our school is privileged to have this “village” of people that humbly operate behind the scenes and do their part to make a positive difference where they can. You are awesome!

Finally, as a person of faith, I want to thank God for giving me the passion and love in my heart for this community. I give Him all the praise and thanks for doing the miraculous in so many situations over the last 16 years.

You will all be greatly missed, and never forgotten. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.

I would like to close with a quote from John Wesley:

“Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”